Michels plans to step down

fter six years and three terms as United Faculty (UF) president, Dr. Jeffery Michels has announced he will not seek re-election when his term ends in December.

Instead Dr. Michels plans to stay with the UF as the acting lead negotiator and communications director next spring semester while continuing to direct UF communications like Table Talk pamphlets and the UF website, Michels said.

“I’m not planning on seeking reelection, so we as a group can rotate and share the workload of the position with someone we in the UF can trust,” Michels said. “Plus I’ve been in this position for about six years and it sure can be a busy job for one person.”

Michels supports Diablo Valley College music professor Glenn Appell in his pursuit to become the next UF president.

According to the UF Constitution, the UF president is to be elected by majority vote of UF members voting in a ballot election.

The president shall be the chief administrative officer, spokesperson and representative of the organization. They are to preside over meetings of the organization and of the UF Executive Board.

The president must also appoint committees, including the negotiating team and their chairperson, with the advice and consent of the UF Executive Board.

Michels has many talents that make him a strong leader, UF board member and Contra Costa College physical education professor Rudy Zeller said.

Michels is known for his serious down to business attitude while dealing with UF business, Zeller said.

“I’m doing enough work for two people along with my personal family life. So taking this time away as the president will let me come back to the classroom and spend more time with my family,” Michels said.

Michels, an English professor at CCC, plans to teach more classes, get back on a more regular schedule and exercise more.